NFL Week 10: Raiders vs. Ravens

Once the 2012 NFL season got underway, the Baltimore Ravens were quickly considered on the best teams in the league with a vastly improved offense to compliment one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL.
Unfortunately, with each passing week, that distinction as one of the league’s elite has begun to disappear or lose its luster so to speak. Joe Flacco and company are no doubt a very talented football team on both sides of the ball, but struggled to play consistently well.
As a result of the inconsistency in Baltimore, the Ravens have been surpassed in the AFC by the 7-1 Houston Texans. Although the Ravens are flawless at home this season with a 4-0 record and have only lost two games on the year thus far, Baltimore doesn’t seem to be getting the recognition the once did early on.
After the loss to the Texans two weeks ago before heading into their bye weeks, the Ravens were humbled to say the least with arguably one of the best all-around squads in the league destroying Baltimore in Houston, 43-13.
Fortunately, John Harbaugh and company were able to soak up the loss during Week 8 before heading into a divisional showdown with the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. As a result, the Ravens bounced back with a 25-15 win over the Browns and appear to be back on track for the time being.
The Oakland Raiders on the other hand are another story altogether. Although the Raiders were thought to be a potential playoff contender this season, that doesn’t appear to be the case heading into Week 10 against the Ravens.
With a disappointing 3-5 record heading into this matchup on Sunday, Oakland is on the brink of yet another disappointing season. Quarterback Carson Palmer has played well at times this season and has seemingly struck up chemistry with his receivers in Oakland, but the Raiders can’t stay healthy and simply appear to be a flawed football team.
Oakland heads into this showdown with Baltimore after being torched by rookie running back Doug Martin last week for 251 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Needless to say, the run defense needs some help and losing defensive tackle Richard Seymour this week due to injury won’t help.
As of right now, the Ravens are favored to get the win at home with a -8 point spread. Baltimore will cover.